Beginner Ballet: Barre and Centre work - 16 week Virtual Course from Sep 4

How is the course structured :

Weeks 1-6: Overview of basic anatomy, correct posture and placement. We will learn key ballet arm and feet positions and barre terminology. These sessions will help you to understand what the purpose is of each barre exercise; which muscle groups you are trying to activate and how these barre exercises relate to and prepare you for specific centre work. This knowledge allows you to better identify your development areas and to begin self-correcting imbalances.

Weeks 7 - 12: A review of 16 essential Beginner steps which form the basis/foundation of most centre work. With the knowledge of how to execute these steps functionally (with correct placement and muscular engagement), we lay strong foundations which we can later build upon to learn steps which are more technically challenging and complex. Functional alignment prepares us to add speed, power and dynamism to our movement. Throughout the course we will gradually work towards artistically combining steps and movements together in centre work and simple choreography, inspired by classical ballets.

Weeks 13-16: Review of the 'dancers box' - this is a method which allows dancers to understand alignment and direction changes in choreography. The terminology helps you to understand alignments as per most graded syllabi work (RAD, Vaganova, Cecchetti). It provides a numerical system which supports you to coordinate your movements and to make better use of epaulement. Not only does this support artistry and expressive movement; it provides a strong basis for following verbal cues to accurately memorise and execute centre work.

What's included:

1. Live weekly lesson (1.5 hours)

2. Live weekly 'Corrections Lab' (30 minutes). This is a time for personalised corrections and to ask questions

3. Accompanying vocabulary sheet and workbook to use throughout the course.

4. Email check-ins and support

5. Recordings of the live class and Corrections Lab so you can practice between sessions

6. FREE access to all of LBC's virtual Conditioning classes throughout the course (live and recorded)

7. Optional homework and practice exercises

8. A 1:1 check-in halfway through the course (30 minutes)

Key details:

Course runs Monday 4 September - Monday 18 December (16 weeks total).

Live class and the corrections labs are hosted weekly on Monday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm.

All sessions are delivered via Zoom. Weekly recordings will be circulated on Tuesday mornings.

Why are we launching this unique course:

Regular drop-in classes do not always provide the time or tailored support that enables adults to fully understand how to execute movements in the most functional and effective way. It is easy to feel lost and unsure. We are passionate about investing in adults in the same way schools do for children or pre-professionals; and we know this approach takes time, patience and support. This course really delves into the details and breaks down the essentials of ballet barre and key centre steps - starting right from the beginning.

Our goal is to nurture and support dancers in developing a holistic and sustainable ballet practice. We aim to instil a deep understanding of ballet and your body; helping you to progress quickly and minimise the risk of injury or overuse. We explore practices to develop safe movement patterns and introduce you to key conditioning exercises. This is a chance for keen adult ballet dancers to access high-quality instruction which makes use of cutting edge somatic practices and the latest findings in neuroscience.

Who is this course for:

This fun and inclusive Beginner Ballet Virtual course is aimed at anyone wanting to establish a strong technical foundation in ballet. These sessions are designed for absolute beginners to build their ballet knowledge and terminology from the basics up. This is a very comprehensive and detailed deep-dive for anyone who is serious about their practice. The sessions will also incorporate conditioning exercises which combines floor-barre, Pilates and Yoga for a holistic and balanced approach to building strength, balance and coordination. If you are a more experienced dancer who has hit a roadblock and feels stuck, you may also benefit from returning to the basics and refining your ballet foundations. We warmly welcome those returning to ballet after a long break or injury.

Lastly, if you are someone who wants to build up their ballet experience before braving studio lessons, this is the perfect programme! This course concludes just ahead of the new year - a brilliant time to transition to in person lessons in your local area.

Spaces are limited. The Early Bird offer is available until 01 August 2023.

Find out more:

Visit www.londonballetclasses.com or our Instagram @londonballetclasses for more information and to see our other courses, classes and workshops

London Ballet Classes have curated a curriculum which is specifically suited to the needs of adult ballet students. We have helped hundreds of adult ballet enthusiasts learn and progress both technically and artistically. Our teaching methodology has been tried and tested for over 5 years with phenomenal results. Our virtual classes have been attended by students from over 38 countries worldwide already. If you are looking for a school which is serious about adult ballet - you've come to the right place. It's truly amazing what can be achieved with tailored support and guidance! Simply contact us to find out more: [email protected]

Host or Publisher London Ballet Classes